Luxembourg

EU sees Canada deal 'next week' despite Belgium split

A troubled EU-Canada free trade deal can be signed "next week" despite opposition of the Belgian region of Wallonia, EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstroem in Luxembourg said on Tuesday.

18.10.2016

(AFP) A troubled EU-Canada free trade deal can be signed "next week" despite the last minute opposition of the Belgian region of Wallonia, EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström in Luxembourg said on Tuesday.

In a shock vote, the French-speaking Belgian region of Wallonia on Friday blocked the deal, known as CETA -- meaning that Belgium itself cannot sign up to the pact and leaving the deal in limbo after seven years of negotiations.